Elixir · POLYWEB Nickel (coated) · 11-14-18-28-38-49
Elixir 12100 (11-14-18-28-38-49) in DADGAD on a 28" scale
POLYWEB Nickel (coated) Medium (11-49) on an electric guitar with a 28" scale, tuned to DADGAD (D4 A3 G3 D3 A2 D2), pulls 129.4 lb58.7 kg576 N in total and 21.6 lb9.78 kg96 N per string on average. That is a tight feel for an electric guitar. The set is uneven (spread 16.1%). String 5 (A2) deviates most: +23% from the set average.
- Total tension
- 129.4 lb58.7 kg576 N
- Average per string
- 21.6 lb9.78 kg96 N
- Balance
- uneven
- spread 16.1%
Tension per string
| # | Note | Hz | Gauge | Item | Type | Tension | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D4 | 293.7 | .011 | AR011 | plain | 18.9 lb8.55 kg84 N | −13% |
| 2 | A3 | 220.0 | .014 | AR014 | plain | 17.1 lb7.77 kg76 N | −21% |
| 3 | G3 | 196.0 | .018 | AR018 | plain | 22.4 lb10.15 kg100 N | +4% |
| 4 | D3 | 146.8 | .028 | ENP028 | wound | 25.3 lb11.49 kg113 N | +17% |
| 5 | A2 | 110.0 | .038 | ENP038 | wound | 26.5 lb12.04 kg118 N | +23% |
| 6 | D2 | 73.4 | .049 | ENP049 | wound | 19.2 lb8.69 kg85 N | −11% |
| Total | 129.4 lb58.7 kg576 N | ||||||
Similar sets in DADGAD, 28"
| Set | Gauges | Avg per string | Total | Feel | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D'Addario NYXL1149 | 11-14-18-28-38-49 | 21.2 lb9.60 kg94 N | 126.9 lb57.6 kg565 N | tight | uneven |
| D'Addario EXL115 | 11-14-18-28-38-49 | 21.2 lb9.62 kg94 N | 127.3 lb57.7 kg566 N | tight | uneven |
| Elixir 12102 | 11-14-18-28-38-49 | 21.5 lb9.76 kg96 N | 129.1 lb58.6 kg574 N | tight | uneven |
| Elixir 19102 | 11-14-18-28-38-49 | 21.5 lb9.76 kg96 N | 129.1 lb58.6 kg574 N | tight | uneven |
| 12100 (this page) | 11-14-18-28-38-49 | 21.6 lb9.78 kg96 N | 129.4 lb58.7 kg576 N | tight | uneven |
| D'Addario EXL115BT | 11-15-19-28-37-50 | 22.0 lb9.98 kg98 N | 132.1 lb59.9 kg587 N | tight | uneven |
Best match for a medium feel in DADGAD, 28"
Ranked by how close every string is to 17.1 lb7.76 kg76 N (lower deviation is better).
- D'Addario EXL110BT 10-13.5-17-25-34-46
- D'Addario EPS510 10-13-17-26-36-46
- D'Addario EXL120BT 9-12-15-22-30-40
More for the 12100
Other tunings on 28": E standard, Drop D, Eb standard, D standard, Drop C, C standard, B standard, Open G, Open D
DADGAD on other scales: 24.75", 25", 25.5", 26.5", 27", 25.5"–27" multiscale
About these numbers
Tension is calculated, not measured: T = μ · (2 · L · f)², where μ is the string's mass per unit length (unit weight), L the vibrating length (scale) and f the pitch (A4 = 440 Hz, equal temperament). kg means kilogram-force: 1 kg ≈ 9.81 N ≈ 2.205 lb.
How a set feels also depends on the guitar's setup: action height, break angle over the nut and saddle, string length behind the nut and bridge, and your playing style. Plain strings feel stiffer than wound strings at the same tension. Use these figures to compare sets, not as an absolute measure of feel.
Sources
- Elixir Strings — String Tension for Tuning Guitar (2026-11-01): unit weights derived from tensions printed in whole pounds; rounding leaves up to ±2% on single strings.
- Elixir Strings Product Catalog (consumer, 07/2026) (2026-11-01): set part numbers and gauges.